First rifle build ideas

[AE287]

I am building my first rifle. Budget is about $2500 for the whole setup. I would love to get some input from you guys as to what you think of my plan.

Scope: I have been looking for a used SWFA 5-20 HD. I know I should be able to get one for around $900. Probably go with a 20 MOA base and medium seekins rings.

Rifle setup: I like the model 700 and already have a timney trigger, so I am thinking of getting a .308 SPS varmint that I should be able to pick up new for about $600. I was going to get a manners stock with badger m5 detachable magazine setup.

Do you guys think it’s worth it to get the mini-chassis, or should I have someone bed it? Any other suggestions? How do you think this setup will perform?

Thanks!

 

[Money Waster]

Get the MPA production class rifle for $2,500. From what I’ve seen, it’s the best bang for your buck option out there that likely will leave you satisfied for a very long time. You can focus on shooting and not worry about your gear. I just talked a buddy of mine into going the MPA route. He’s going to order it this week. I’m anxious to see it when he gets it.

Lou

 

[redacted]

Im just a newb but i personally like the sound of your build idea, nice and simple, but i would go vortex pst gen II, and probably mdt chassis

 

[Totoro]

My vote is Rem 5R with the SWFA and use the remaining money for ammo.

 

[jcmullis2]

The Remington 700 adl varmint in 6.5 creed is like $500 at Bass pro or Cabelas and has a heavy barrel. The ballistics are better and you can shoot a few hundred yards further. That’s because it has better ammo available. Your trigger will work on it too. The 308 sps is fine though. Since you aren’t going to need the sps bottom medal the Remington 700 adl will save you money and you’ll get the same barreled action. I’d get a chassis instead of bedding and a manners with m5 is a good choice. You can find deals on chassis and scopes here on the Hide that other members are selling and most are like new. The Athlon Midas TAC 5-25x56 is something you might wanna think about too. The Swfa is a decent eye piece but Athlon is a better bang for your buck. If it was me I’d buy everything new at one time and assemble your brand new rifle. You can save a little buying used but you just never know when someone will sell the stuff you want or if someone else doesn’t beat you to the part you want. Good luck and welcome to the sickness

 

[AE287]

Thanks for the ideas. I may go for the 6.5 creed after doing a little more research. Also, I called the folks at Manners to ask a few questions about their stocks and they were super helpful

 

[AE287]

I do wonder if the 6.5 Creedmoor is going to stick around, or if everyone will just go to the next best thing in 10 years. I can just reload so it doesn’t really matter, but still interesting to me.

 

[WyCoShooter]

I am in the same boat, stuck between trying to build a custom or buying a production rifle. I am all ears on this thread as well. I have been very impressed with MPA. Friends of mine have also recommended the Badrock and the Seekins Havak Bravo at the 1500 - 2k range. I know the OP is shooting for 2.5k for the entire build, but interested to see opinions. At 3k plus it seems the options grow tenfold for custom vs production with Cadex and Accuracy International stepping into the picture.

 

[stello1001]

I do wonder if the 6.5 Creedmoor is going to stick around, or if everyone will just go to the next best thing in 10 years. I can just reload so it doesn’t really matter, but still interesting to me.

In my opinion the 6.5 already stuck. It was introduced back in 07 if I'm not mistaken and is very popular these days. Yeah, 10 years from now there will be new cartridges, just like there always is though.

 

[Rockin A Archer]

I do wonder if the 6.5 Creedmoor is going to stick around, or if everyone will just go to the next best thing in 10 years. I can just reload so it doesn’t really matter, but still interesting to me.

That’s a good question. I personally love the cartridge. (Though I’m still new so take that for what you will). I think the deciding factor will probably if the military starts to utilize it. I keep hearing rumors, but I feel like every cartridge,at one point or another, was rumored to be the “THE NEXT BIG THING THE MILITARY IS GOING TO SWITCH TO CAUSE IT’S SO COOL!!!” lol

 

[WyCoShooter]

Anyone who reloads have experience with 6.5 PRC?

 

[AE287]

That’s a good question. I personally love the cartridge. (Though I’m still new so take that for what you will). I think the deciding factor will probably if the military starts to utilize it. I keep hearing rumors, but I feel like every cartridge,at one point or another, was rumored to be the “THE NEXT BIG THING THE MILITARY IS GOING TO SWITCH TO CAUSE IT’S SO COOL!!!” lol

That’s a good point. I have read about certain groups in the military adopting it, so that will make a difference I am sure.